Early Childhood Tooth Decay
February is National Childrens Dental Health Month so today I am addressing childhood tooth decay. The attached ADA article is a fantastic summary of developing excellent care and hygiene habits to prevent issues like caries in young children. One of the concepts that is briefly summarized and perhaps not touched on as much in this article is the component of conditions being "transmissible"...well, sort of, that is.
The actual condition dentists call "caries" or what most people think of as "cavities" in their teeth is truly a disease process. Cavities form in teeth due to acid attack. This is not to be conrfused with some acidic foods or gastrointestinal disorders that can cause reflex of stomach acid (although these can damage your teeth also). Caries occur in teeth when specific bacterial species (such as Streptococcus mutans) produce acid that is damaging to the surface of teeth. The bacteria feed on carbohydrates and sugars in the food we eat. If it is allowed to remain in our mouth and on tooth surfaces undisturbed, this acid attack can be very devastating and this is how your teeth can decay. There are studies that suggest the bacterial species causing this condition of caries, just as other bacterial infections, can be transmitted from one individual to another.
Think about all the times silverware, dishes, glasses, etc...are shared among family members. It's no wonder studies have shown that these same species have often been shown to occur among family members of the same household. It is important to consider these facts, and that comprehensive dental care is important to all members of the family. Cleanings, care, and proper hygiene can keep these bacteria levels to a minimum and reduce the risk of more serious problems in our own mouths. This reduction in bacterial load may also possibly reduce familial transmission.
This theory begs the question: What else can be transmitted besides cavity causing bacteria? Current periodontology residency programs these days require some microbiology training. The truth is, strains of bacterial species that cause periodontal or gum disease have been suggested to be transmissible. The herpes viruses that can cause common cold sores on the lips and face are also transmissible, most commonly among family members or spouses. There are even theories that the Epstein Barr virus (controversially associated with Mono-nucleosis) is transmissible. All of these viral organisms can locally frustrate the function of our immune system in our mouth which may allow other bacterial species such as the ones causing periodontal (gum) disease to be more damaging.